By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) has launched its third annual “Trick-or-Streets” program, bringing a series of car-free events to neighborhoods in Queens and Brooklyn throughout October. This year’s initiative features over 100 events designed to celebrate Halloween while prioritizing community engagement and safety.
The NYC Department of Transportation is casting a spell of car-free delight, transforming our streets into a Halloween haven! With vibrant, traffic-free playgrounds, NYC provides children with a magical backdrop for festivities and fun,” said New York State Senator Robert Jackson. “The visionary ‘Trick-or-Streets’ initiative allows families to walk, play, and connect safely—showing that our city can be both lively and secure for everyone.”
Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced the expanded program, emphasizing its role in creating joyful spaces for families.
“‘Trick-or-Streets’ is back and bigger than ever—and we invite all New Yorkers to take part in an event this month!” Rodriguez said. “Our streets serve all New Yorkers—and ‘Trick-or-Streets’ is a great example of how we can use them to bring joy and greater safety to so many children.”
In Brooklyn, residents can look forward to several signature events, including the Berry Street Open Street on October 27, which runs from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will feature Halloween-themed activities produced by The Horticultural Society of New York. Kensington Plaza will host its event on October 19 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., offering programming from Broadway for Arts Education. Additionally, the W 9th Street Open Street will take place on October 26 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., also organized by Broadway for Arts Education.
“Red Hook Initiative (RHI) is thrilled to partner with DOT and Broadway for Arts Education to transform RHI’s West 9th Open Street into a Halloween carnival,” said Michael Partis, executive director, Red Hook Initiative. “The Trick or Streets program is a continuation of our commitment to create safe and accessible open space for the Red Hook neighborhood.”
Queens will host its share of festivities as well, with the 165th Street Open Street set for October 30 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., produced by Street Lab. The 31st Avenue Open Street will occur on Halloween, October 31, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., organized by The Horticultural Society of New York.
“The Hort is excited to continue our collaboration with DOT for another year of Trick-or-Streets, bringing vibrant fall plant activities and providing essential maintenance support to this much-loved event,” said Sara Hobel, executive director, The Horticultural Society of New York. “Trick-or-Streets is a hallmark of fall in our city, offering families a festive, safe, and community-building way to celebrate Halloween. We are proud to play a part in enhancing the experience by offering Harvest w/ The Hort, where our plant-focused fall activities for New Yorkers of all ages will help everyone get into the spooky fall spirit.”
These events are part of a broader effort to utilize the city’s Open Streets and Plaza initiatives, allowing local organizations to transform streets into festive, car-free environments where community members can safely enjoy Halloween activities. For a full list of Trick-or-Street events and car-free locations, residents are encouraged to visit nyc.gov/trickorstreets.
“We’re thrilled to be teaming up with the NYC DOT to turn plazas and commercial corridors into fun-filled Halloween destinations,” said Jessica Chornesky, executive director, NYC Kidsfest. “Kids and their families can enjoy pumpkin patches, giveaways, live music and performances, interactive workshops, arts & crafts, face painting, balloon animals, and plenty of spooky surprises. These vibrant spaces will capture the spirit of the holiday while providing a safe and festive atmosphere for all.”
